The call for additional regulations for devices that allow semi-automatic weapons to fire like automatic weapons came from an unlikely place on Thursday.

The National Rifle Association (NRA) called for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) to determine whether or not bump stocks comply with federal law and said they should be subject to additional regulations.

A bump stock is a device that is attached to a gunstock (the part of the rifle that is held against the users shoulder). The bump stock allows the user to fire more shots than would normally be possible by using the recoil of the rifle. The bump stock remains in place pressed against the user's shoulder while the gun's actual stock moves back and forth rapidly between the shoulder and trigger finger.

The full statement issued by the NRA's Wayne LaPierre and Chris Cox reads:

"In the aftermath of the evil and senseless attack in Las Vegas, the American people are looking for answers as to how future tragedies can be prevented. Unfortunately, the first response from some politicians has been to call for more gun control. Banning guns from law-abiding Americans based on the criminal act of a madman will do nothing to prevent future attacks. This is a fact that has been proven time and again in countries across the world. In Las Vegas, reports indicate that certain devices were used to modify the firearms involved. Despite the fact that the Obama administration approved the sale of bump fire stocks on at least two occasions, the National Rifle Association is calling on the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE) to immediately review whether these devices comply with federal law. The NRA believes that devices designed to allow semi-automatic rifles to function like fully-automatic rifles should be subject to additional regulations. In an increasingly dangerous world, the NRA remains focused on our mission: strengthening Americans' Second Amendment freedom to defend themselves, their families and their communities. To that end, on behalf of our five million members across the country, we urge Congress to pass National Right-to-Carry reciprocity, which will allow law-abiding Americans to defend themselves and their families from acts of violence."

On Wednesday, Nevada Reps. Ruben Kihuen (NV-04), Dina Titus (NV-01), and Jacky Rosen (NV-03) announced they are cosponsoring legislation introduced by Rep. David Cicilline (RI-01) that would make bump stocks illegal.

100417-bump-stock-works_Flat(Photo: USA TODAY)

"It is chilling to think how many more individuals could be alive today had these weapons not been modified to fire as rapidly as an automatic weapon," Kihuen said in a statement.

Rep. Mark Amodei (NV-02) said he'd first need to read Cicilline's legislation in its entirey before saying whether or not he will support the bill.

Nevada Republican Senator Dean Heller told Channel 8 News in Las Vegas that "we need to have that discussion all over again," when asked about his position on banning bump stocks and said he'd like to see President Donald Trump reverse a BATFE policy that was approved during the Obama Administration.

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